The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed widespread reports claiming that armed bandits have invaded communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo and other parts of the state, describing the allegations as false and intended to spread fear among residents.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said there was no security threat or coordinated attack on schools and communities anywhere in Lagos State.
According to the command, schools remain safe and security agencies continue to maintain adequate surveillance and operational presence across the state.The police, however, disclosed that the misinformation had already led to a tragic incident involving a 24-year-old commercial motorcyclist, identified as Kulaha Ayuba.
Adebisi said some youths, acting on unverified reports of an alleged bandit invasion, reportedly accused Ayuba of being a Fulani bandit and attacked him.The victim was allegedly beaten to death, while his motorcycle was stolen. His body was later discovered in a swamp within the community.The command described the incident as a tragic consequence of false information and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
Police authorities confirmed that 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing and are currently being investigated.The command assured residents that anyone found responsible for the attack would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.It also warned that individuals involved in creating, publishing or spreading false and inflammatory information capable of causing panic, violence or ethnic tension would face legal action.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while relying on verified information from official sources.
He advised members of the public to report suspicious activities through recognised security channels rather than acting on unconfirmed reports circulating on social media.
Also reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Abdullahi Olowa, appealed to residents to avoid ethnic profiling and self-help measures following reports of the movement of certain groups of people into some communities.Similarly, the Imota Local Council Development Area reassured residents that the area remains peaceful despite a viral video and radio broadcast alleging that two schoolgirls were killed during a bandit attack on a primary school in the community.
Authorities maintained that the reports were false and urged residents to remain law-abiding while security agencies continue to monitor the situation.
